Beyond a gilded cup: How the V&A Neighbourhood Awards transform trophies into purpose-driven works of art

Now in its second year, the V&A Waterfront Neighbourhood Awards will once again be presenting bespoke pieces of art to celebrate retail excellence among tenants.

From ancient laurel wreaths and polished pewter cups to contemporary forms, trophies have always symbolised achievement, identity and shared values. Just like a flag, a trophy is an ideological marker: its design says as much about an era and institution as the achievement it represents. 

At the V&A Waterfront, this symbolism is reimagined through the annual Neighbourhood Awards, which commissions trophies that are works of art crafted by leading local makers and which are deeply rooted in the precinct’s purpose-led philosophy. ‘The trophy becomes a symbol of shared purpose,’ says Mandla Mkhwebane, Senior Marketing Manager: B2C and CX at the V&A Waterfront. ‘It honours the retailer, but also the creative talent that defines our precinct. It’s recognition with ripple effects.’

In 2024, the V&A Waterfront began this journey by commissioning Diana George of Lerato Design Consultancy to envision a collection of bespoke ceramic trophies made by a group of Cape Town-based creatives: award-winning ceramicist Clementina van der Walt, known for her bold use of colour and pattern; N’Sele Adonis Mumpango, whose hand-engraved lines and textured surfaces bring quiet complexity; and artists Brigitte Lilley and Antoinette du Plessis. With a brief to reimagine the traditional award through the lens of craft, George asked the creatives to come up with a vessel shape that ‘offered a modern twist on the idea of a trophy’. 

Laurence Brick, curator of the V&A Waterfront’s African design lifestyle store AAFRICAA, which last year won three tenant awards handcrafted by Clementina Ceramics, says, ‘These awards go beyond recognition; they celebrate the vibrant talent and innovation within the South African design community. We proudly display ours instore, where both local and international visitors engage in conversations about African creativity and craftsmanship. These trophies are keepsakes that tell a story.’

Not only that, but the commissioned trophies offer meaningful commercial opportunities for those who create them. ‘This kind of commission is always beneficial in terms of broad exposure and, of course, remuneration,’ says Van der Walt. ‘It’s also heartening to see big business support local crafts. It keeps our practices visible and viable.’

Looking ahead to the 2025 trophies, George says the design team is keeping some details under wraps, but hints at a few exciting changes. ‘We can’t give away too much at this stage, but there will definitely be a continuation of our focus on local craft and artistry. We’re bringing back a few of the makers from 2024, and introducing some fresh names into the mix.’ Ceramic art will feature once again, but George says that the team will also ‘expand the material palette to include beadwork and woodwork. Colour will also be used more prominently to distinguish award categories.’ 

This year, there are 21 trophies that are being commissioned by Lerato Design Consultancy and will be awarded to the 2025 winners, reflecting both the scale of celebration across the precinct and the meaningful opportunities created for Cape Town’s creative community. The 2025 makers once again include Clementina Ceramics, as well as other Cape Town-based creatives such as Studio Ananta, Modern Gesture and Zizamele Ceramics, which has a store in the V&A Watershed. 

Commissioning locally made trophies reflects the V&A Waterfront’s philosophy of measuring success by shared growth, creativity and long-term resilience. ‘Retail goes beyond transactions,’ says Mkhwebane. ‘It’s about creating value – value for customers, for tenants and for the communities that surround us. Recognition is one of the ways we live out what we believe in.’

The trophies, which will be presented at an awards ceremony on 1 October 2025, don’t just gather dust. They give visibility to artists. They spark pride among winners. And they remind everyone that retail at its best is bold, creative and deeply human.

For more information on the awards visit https://awards.waterfront.co.za/

For more information on the V&A Waterfront visit www.waterfront.co.za.